You are here

Europe's journeymen keep the past alive

These young men and women have finished their required training in any number of trades and are travelling to gather experience

Wed, Aug 09, 2017 - 5:50 AM

Wandergesellen, or journeymen, heading to the outskirts of Faurndau, Germany, for an initiation rite.

PHOTO: NYTIMES

New York

THEY hitchhike across Europe, instantly recognisable in the wide-bottomed, corduroy trousers, white shirts and coloured jackets that identify them as bricklayers, bakers, carpenters, stonemasons and roofers.